Craig noted that Detroit first passed ordinances in the 1970s that prohibited discrimination against lesbian, gay and bisexual people in housing, employment and other areas. Protections specifically for transgender people were added nearly 10 years ago, he said.

"Laws aren't enough," he said. "We must stand behind the commitment we have made to our citizens, even when sometimes it's unpopular to do so."

Buy Photo

An LGBTQ pride flag flies at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit on Tues., June 6, 2017after an event to kick off the annual Motor City Pride Fest as a Motor City Pride logo is displayed on the Renaissance Center.(Photo: Ryan Garza, Detroit Free Press)

Craig appointed the police department's first LGBT liaison three years ago after making similar appointments while at previous jobs in Portland, Ore., and Cincinnati, Ohio.

Another speaker, Equality Michigan Executive Director Stephanie White, said Detroit was given the highest score possible — 100% — on an index that measures how inclusive cities are to LGBT people when it comes city laws, policies and services.